Police chief clarifies stance after accidently ‘liking’ tweet blaming Bristol violence on the Government

THE Chief Constable of Derbyshire Police has admitted to “accidentally liking” a post on social media which blamed violent scenes in Bristol over the weekend on police and the Government.

Chief Constable Rachel Swann took to Twitter to clarify her stance on the rioting after removing her “like” on the social media website.

Pictures showed how a peaceful protest in Bristol on Sunday descended into chaos and violence as rioters laid siege to the city centre, smashing windows, burning police vans and causing serious injury to two officers.

The Daily Mail later reported Ms Swann “liked” a tweet from Guardian journalist Owen Jones which read ‘If the Government attempts to criminalise peaceful protest, and police are set on women at a vigil, the scenes tonight in Bristol become an inevitability”.

The apparent endorsement of the statement by Ms Swann drew criticism, with one Twitter user claiming her like of the tweet “was not a good look”.

Ms Swann said the tweet did not reflect her view of the situation.

She wrote: “Late last night (Sunday) I was reading about the dreadful events happening in Bristol where officers were attacked and injured.

“When scrolling down my feed, I accidentally liked a tweet which did not reflect my view of the situation.

“When I realised this morning (Monday) I immediately corrected it. “Please read my tweet at 07.37 hrs this morning for how I feel about the situation. No one should go to work under fear of being attacked for doing their job.

“The action of a violent few is wholly unacceptable. It’s been an important reminder to me about the impact of social media.” Ms Swann’s tweet at Chief Constable 7.37am on Monday read: Rachel Swann “I am horrified by the scenes from Bristol. @ DerbysPolice thoughts are with our brave @ASPolice colleagues. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured officers.”

However, the Chief Constable’s clarified statement has drawn further criticism. A few tweets appear to mock her actions and one Twitter user wrote back “I live in Derbyshire and I’m sorry to say this is embarrassing”.

But some, however, sympathised – one Twitter user said: “Hi Rachel, I have done that myself before. The like button is just where my thumb goes as I scroll down.”

Another said: “Think this tweet more than shows the strength of character (of) @DerbysCCSwann easy mistake to make, takes something to publicly own and admit to that mistake.”

A Derbyshire police spokesman confirmed: “Derbyshire’s Chief Constable Rachel Swann inadvertently liked a tweet last night in error. As soon as she realised, it was removed.”